Sorry, there are no episodes of this series airing in the next 2 months on any of our three channels.

This list includes any broadcasts that aired in the past 2 months on any of our three channels.

Episode #613

Orcas Below

Art Lesson: Creating Depth. Create the illusion of three-dimensional imagery. Mastering the ability to create depth in art takes practice and patience. Draw distant objects small than close objects. Incorporate the effects of atmosphere that decrease visibility of objects farther from the viewer. Reduce detail as the background diminishes with mountains and other objects appearing only as silhouettes. Other techniques to imply depth may include reducing color in the background to reinforce the concept of distance between images. Warm colors appear closer to the viewer, while cool colors appear farther. It should be noted that a full range of colors might be unneeded. Using three or even only two colors can make a coherent image with an exceptional sense of depth.

Art Lesson: Composition. Elements of composition are used to organize the components of an artwork in a pleasing manner. Used effectively, these elements provide a structure that leads the viewer's eye in a particular way for a variety of different effects. Examples of extraordinary composition may include the "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci or "Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh. Important components of good composition include: unity, balance and movement. All compositions begin by identifying a focal point. A range of artistic decisions proceeds from there, ranging from contrasts between light and dark to finding a rhythm that paces the eye of the viewer. The parts of the composition may feel as if they belong together. Or they may be purposely disjointed. A symmetrical arrangement may add a sense of calm; whereas an asymmetrical arrangement may create a sense of unease. By adjusting the arrangement of the objects, the artist can create a sense of motion or still life. Patterns establish an underlying structure of basic lines and shapes. Proportion is the way in which things fit together, big and small, nearby and distant. Each of these components may be used in varying degrees to create the intended effect.

Art Lesson: Harmony. Harmony can be defined as a pleasing arrangement of parts, whether it is music, poetry, color, or even an ice cream sundae. Harmony, in art, is an image that is pleasing to the eye, creates an inner sense of order and a balance in the visual experience. When an artwork is not harmonious, it may be considered boring or chaotic. A well-crafted painting is a unified whole that encompasses all the other elements and principles of art and design. Size relationships are defined by proportion and scale. Proportion refers to how the elements within an object relate to the object as a whole. Scale relates to the size of an object when compared with the size of the space in which it is located. As with Wyland's depiction of a Seahorse, unity assures a sense of order. There is a consistency of size and shape, a harmony of color and pattern. Where too much unity can be boring; too much variety can cause a restless feeling. Juggling the elements and principles to get just the right mix is a key to good harmony and unity in a painting.

Art Lesson: Chiaroscuro modeling - Light and Shadow. The term chiaroscuro refers to a strong juxtaposition of light and shade to enhance the dramatic aspects of a painting. Even the Italian definition, from chiaro "clear, light" and oscuro "obscure, dark" connote the unique treatment of light and dark parts in a work of art. This technique was pioneered and used to heightened effect by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Rembrandt. Wyland uses the interplay of shading to establish the power and nobility of the king of the beasts. Identifying the light source is the single most important aspect of chiaroscuro painting. Once lines have been established, mid-tones are added. Keeping the light source in mind, paint strong shadows. Highlights that have a bit of color from the light source may be added. If the light source is cool, highlights may have blues and cool colors. If the source is warm, yellows, oranges or reds may be added.

Art Lesson: Form. Form is an element of art. Yet there are several ways to consider the meaning of form. At its most basic, a form is a three-dimensional geometrical figure, such as a sphere, cube, cylinder or cone, as opposed to a shape, which is two-dimensional, or flat. In a broader sense, form, in art, means the whole of a piece's visible elements and the way those elements are united. In this context, form allows viewers to mentally capture the work and understand it. Wyland demonstrates the two interpretations of form through his depiction of a bottlenose dolphin against a water element. He uses Payne's gray with a half inch brush to create the dolphin form with a 3-inch brush to block in the blue water. Highlights and shadows are added to enhance the three-dimensional form.